Following the events of Jan. 6, 2021, much of the world was left in shock as one of the world’s most distinct democracies fell victim to an attempted insurrection. Although the electoral votes were certified later that night, and Joe Biden was rightfully declared winner of the 2020 election, the question has still lingered for the past four years: what if this happens again?
“War Game,” the 2024 thriller documentary produced by 2004 Emmaus High School graduate Mark DiCristofario, stars various senior officials from the past five presidential administrations role-playing as the President (played by Montana Gov. Steve Bullock) and a bipartisan cabinet. They have six hours to “save democracy” in a simulation as the loser of the 2024 presidential election stages a coup — essentially an exaggeration (albeit a plausible one) of Jan. 6.
I feel the documentary’s greatest strength is its realism — the scenario presented feelings chillingly reminiscent of four years ago. The mixing of real footage from Jan. 6 with the cast’s unscripted response to the situation, keeps the audience engaged by focusing on the human and institutional responses to such a crisis. Sitting in the Emmaus Theater, I thought back to when insurrectionists actually raided the Capitol, and the shock and disbelief I felt that day watching the news. The same feeling surrounded me while watching “War Game,” as I saw familiar memories of the insurrection. I felt the panic and urgency displayed by the cast, only accentuating the looming anxiety countless Americans like myself feel before Nov. 5.
While the film is certainly jarring, its speculative premise might alienate some — since it’s based on an imagined crisis, it may not carry the same urgency for those who prefer documentaries grounded incurrent or historical events. However, this is balanced out by substantial analysis of misinformation on Jan. 6, 2021 throughout.
Ultimately, “War Game” isn’t a documentary, but a wake-up call. It serves as a chilling warning to all Americans as we approach the 2024 election — and its inevitable aftermath, no matter who wins.
4.5/5 stars.
